A post? They have those on blogs?

I load the front page of my blog nearly every day. I just can’t seem to create a post that has enough value that it’s worth posting at all. However, now I will.

That aside, I have been looking at CloudFlare, and I’ve implemented it in some areas. WordPress is locked to a domain, so this blog isn’t behind CloudFlare. Most sections of theoks.net can be viewed behind CloudFlare by replacing theoks.net with theoks.tk.

What CloudFlare does for you is that it caches static resources like CSS, Javascript, and images, closer to you, resulting in faster load of images and styles. Especially on the image board, and the zoomable Minecraft map render this can be advantageous.

I have also added Google’s +1 button to post pages, as well as the home page, and moved the Tweet button with it to below the post content.

In related news I got into Google+, which is pretty exciting. You may ask me for an invite, but I cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to join.

The Great Sand Dunes of Colorado

More adventures are happening on my trip, as mentioned in my previous blog post.

I went to the Great Sand Dunes of Colorado today, right after it rained, so the sand wouldn’t be thrown into the air.

I also wrote “theoks.net” in the sand.

A picture is included.

Tonight, I’m staying at the Columbine Inn in my own loft, but it’s hotter than hell, and there’s no AC.

Salt Lake

Today, I waded in The Great Salt Lake here in Utah. The island, Antelope Island has a supposedly soft sand beach. NOT TRUE! Walking out to the actual beach is painful, and difficult to return from, as you’re walking up a hill that’s made of sand you sink easily in.

After, we looked at the Ranch on Antelope Island, which was started in the 1800s, and continued to operate until 1981, and is Utah’s longest operating ranch.

Then, we proceeded to visit downtown Salt Lake City, where we visited the Church of Latter Day Saints. Its tallest spire stands 210 ft, with a golden statue of an angel atop it, and walls at the bottom of the church stand 9ft thick.

Tomorrow’s adventure is to go to the Great Sand Dunes.

Maple Valley Days 2010

Today, Maple Valley Days in 2010 wrapped up. Bear Metal, also known as The Tahoma Robotics Club, had the opportunity to participate in the parade for another year, as well as have a booth again.

This year, we brought all three of our remaining robots, Catalyst, Bearenstein, and Odyssey.

Continue reading “Maple Valley Days 2010”

Sunny weather!

Guess what Seattlites, we’ve got temperatures in the SEVENTIES! Great time to go outside and cook a barbeque. As for me, I wish I could be outside. In fact, I’m going for a bike ride after finishing this post.

Look at this beautiful picture:

…and this video feed (refresh the page):

Well there we go. Nothing else to say about the sunny weather other than it’s rarity in Seattle. Have fun!

Thank you Akismet, redoux.

Hey everyone, this is Deathgleaner speaking. Kudos to the people behind AKISMET for creating the world’s best spam-fighting tool. I use it on my blog and it does a great job of catching spam comments from advertisers and low-lifes, and it still lets good comments through. My blog would probably be a hate box if not for Akismet.

Akismet has netted about 150 spam comments. It’s scary that spam comments out-rival normal ones.

Thanks again,
Deathgleaner

Kent teachers STILL on strike and I’m pissed

As a KSD student, I have been absolutely pissed at the fact that Kent teachers remain on strike despite the judge’s order for them to get back to class today. Before August 26th, the School District had offered them a handful of proposals, all were rejected by the Kent Teachers’ Association, so the teachers went on strike.

The reason the teachers went on strike in the first place was because issues such as classroom head count was unregulated and time spent with students was very small. In terms of these two parameters, Kent School District is not up to par, and the teachers wanted the School District to be. Thus, the teachers were really striking for the benefit of students, since less classmates equals more productivity and more time with the teacher means more learning.

August 31st, the first “day” of school, came around, and still no agreement between the teachers and the District. Finally, our superintendent, Edward Lee Vargas filed a complaint to Judge Andrea Darvas. On Thursday, she ruled that the strike was illegal, ordered the teachers to return to classrooms on Tuesday, and students to go back on Wednesday. But yesterday (Monday), teachers voted 71% to defy the judge’s order. I was absolutely ticked off.

Some parents and students actually supported the striking teachers. I stand fast in opposing this strike though. First of all, school has been delayed because of this stalemate between the two sides. Secondly, the School District has already offered the teachers a multitude of proposals that the teachers might as well accept, but no. The teachers are so stubborn, even in this recession, that they will by no means compromise. Horrible attitude, teachers. Such proposals they got were assistance for large class sizes and more pay. An alternative is better than nothing, so why not just accept and end this stagnant strike? Lastly, Judge Darvas already ordered the teachers back to class, and defying a judge’s order can result in jail time or fines. I would not risk this to continue on strike, and I don’t get why the hell the teachers are.

I’m absolutely pissed. This strike has made life boring, and there’s no end in sight. Some of my classmates say school will likely start in October, and Darren asked me what I would say if this case was taken to the Supreme Court? First of all, I’d laugh, and secondly, I’d already be attending a different school.